Leaking ball valve in a gas line

I just replaced my home gas range with a new one.
I turned off the (age-old) ball valve, disconnected everything, connected the new flex pipe and turned the ball valve back on - only to find the valve is leaking, but only when turned on.
I turned off the valve - no more leak.

So I rechecked my connections (all of the joins are sealed), turned the valve back on and tightened the nut. Tightening made some difference, but there's still a slight leak.

Definite leak when the valve is turned on, and no leak at all when the valve is turned off.

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Leaking ball valve in a gas line

I actually didn't remove the valve, it was intact and never leaked, so I didn't have to put it back in. I didn't have to remove it or change it in any way, just disconnected one flex pipe and connected the other.

Now that you mention it, getting the thing off is going to be a problem - the house is a hundred years old and there is no "house wide" shut off.

Leaking ball valve in a gas line

Leaking ball valve in a gas line

Hmmm, funny, Tarheel. Funny, but not helpful.

Danpik, there is no shutoff in the house. Utility confirmed.

Is there anyone out there who has any first hand knowledge of an old ball valve that has a handle on the top and a nut on the bottom?
I do realize it is an old valve, but (generally speaking) there must be some reason it failed suddenly. It does not appear to be damaged or even have parts other than metal . . . the inside is shiny and clean, looks new, not obstructed or clogged in any way.

Leaking ball valve in a gas line

Quote:

Originally Posted by jshansen32

there is no shutoff in the house. Utility confirmed.

Look outside the house, on the riser coming out of the ground and into your meter set. I call bs on a house without at least a service shut-off. And as for your leaking valve, it may be able up be greased, but it's probably best to just replace it.

Leaking ball valve in a gas line

Is there anyone out there who has any first hand knowledge of an old ball valve that has a handle on the top and a nut on the bottom?

It's NOT a ball valve. It's a gas cock.

Quote:

It does not appear to be damaged or even have parts other than metal . . . the inside is shiny and clean, looks new, not obstructed or clogged in any way.

If it isn't passing gas when closed... then either the casting is cracked or something downstream from it (like the flex line or flare adapter) is leaking. If those other things are new... the valve remains the culprit.
----

It may be inconvenient... but if the house doesn't have a service valve then you've got a new job to do and rather soon (even if you're able to work fast and replace that one valve with the gas flowing)

Leaking ball valve in a gas line

Now we're getting somewhere! THANK you, Tarheel. I was not aware it was called a gas cock.

The valve actually looks more like this

But the valve type IS a ball valve.
It's possible the casting is cracked, but I would think if that were the case the valve would leak when closed as well as when open.

I would never attempt to change the valve without turning off the gas. Stupid and ill advised for someone like me, with no professional experience.
. . .
I was hoping I would find an answer, but it seems it's time to call the plumber.

Leaking ball valve in a gas line

Quote:

Originally Posted by TarheelTerp

work fast

Lmao!

Seriously though. Are you positive it's the valve? Do a soap test and pinpoint the leaking area.
Maybe Take your new line off and cap it and see if you get leakage.
Make sure the packing nuts (?) are tight.
It could be damaged on the downstream side of the valve. Cross threaded?

Leaking ball valve in a gas line

Gas company has a shut-off somewhere in the line. How could they shut-off your supply if you didn't pay the bill?
I am not a plumber......but I would install the new valve without shutting off the gas. Just ventilate the room real well and make sure all sources of ignition are turned off such as a water heater pilot.
Work fast!